LeBron James trade: Charles Barkley explains dream scenario in free agency with Cavs
LEBRON JAMES has the option to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer in free agency, but Charles Barkley has explained why he wants him to stay.
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This summer is set to be a fascinating offseason with James’ impending free agency bound to catch the headlines again.
It will be the third time the 33-year-old has entered free agency in his career and the previous two times he has decided to change scenery.
Back in 2010 he famously left Cleveland to join the Miami Heat where he picked up two NBA championships in four years before returning to the Cavaliers in 2014.
James promised to deliver a title to his hometown and duly delivered two years later in a famous NBA Finals match-up against the Golden State Warriors in 2016 when they came back from 3-1 down.
The four-time MVP is currently aiming to reach an eighth consecutive NBA Finals but faces a tough task this year.
They take on the Indiana Pacers in an elimination Game 7 this evening (6pm) and Cleveland have so far struggled throughout the series.
It has led to suggestions James could decide to leave the Cavaliers in the summer with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers rumoured to be at the top of his list of teams he is considering.
But 11-time All-Star Barkley wants to see James continue playing in Cleveland for the remainder of his career.
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“LeBron James is going to finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, that’s what I hope,” Barkley said on NBA on TNT.
“I don’t have any inside information, I just think it’s great what he’s done for that city and that community.
“I’m hoping he stays and finishes his career in Cleveland.”